The Skin Nerd: Getting the sun on your face? How to spot and manage hyperpigmentation

Steps you can take to manage the dark spots and patches you may find across your skin.

Many of us spend a lot of time and effort trying to achieve an even toned complexion but what exactly are those pesky little patches that keep us propping up the colour correcting marketing?

Many of us spend a lot of time and effort trying to achieve an even toned complexion but what exactly are those pesky little patches that keep us propping up the colour correcting marketing?

It could be that you have been exposed to a little more sunshine than usual and you are noticing more dark spots, or you may be expecting a new little human and simultaneously be finding it more difficult to even out your skin tone – both are common circumstances in which you could be experiencing hyperpigmentation. What is hyperpigmentation? Put simply, pigmentation or hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin, tan or freckles. We all have pigment within our skin, which helps to shield the skin from light exposure. When we experience prolonged light exposure, this can cause enzymatic activity that attempts to create a shield for the skin. Alongside sun exposure, hormones and taking certain medications such as HRT or the contraceptive pill can cause pigmentation. There are many types of pigmentation, including: